Actors, musicians, artists, dancers, even cooks, are lining up to pass on their trade secrets so we can land our dream job or, until then, convince our line manager to give us a desk near the window.

It is said that entertainers can enlighten us on the day-to-day aspects of our job such as teamwork and communication skills, productivity or the basic ability to sell ourselves. But when it was suggested that I tried magic to add sparkle to my stuttering career I was sceptical to say the least. I was certainly in favour of making my boss disappear in a puff of smoke and impressing colleagues with spoon bending and smokin' aces, although I couldn't see how this Masonic-like discipline practised by men with bad waistcoats and dodgy facial hair could be applied to my nine to five. I've nothing against David Blaine hanging himself upside down or Derren Brown putting a pistol to his head, but please, not while I'm trying to work.

And despite my magic mentor's early efforts - I watch my ace of spades turn into the ace of clubs and the rubber band I was holding effortlessly pass through another - I still doubted whether the so-called black arts had any relevance to that Monday morning catch up meeting.

"We're not teaching business professionals to become magicians, we are helping them realise that they have the strategies to become successful communicators," explains Michael Vincent, maestro of close-up magic and consultant to a number of employers including Halifax, BT and the Royal College of Physicians.

Vincent is a respected member of the Magic Circle and he represents the UK regularly at Hollywood's Magic Castle. As a corporate magician, he performs magic shows, after which he reveals how his skills can be applied to the world of business.

Asked why magicians are particularly adept at the role, he says: "We are active listeners with emphatic skills and the courage to tackle challenges such as hecklers.

"Through close-up magic and mixing and mingling, we have direct access to people. Magicians are good at using language and handling emotional shifts. We also use the same strategies as con men - if I wanted to be a con man I could be one," he laughs.

Medical training director Andrew Gellert welcomes the input of professionals from the entertainment industry. When organising courses for trainee GPs he turned to Vincent for a master class in non-verbal communication.

"He entertained them with magic then talked about the importance of observing an individual's eyes, face, hand gestures and body language," he says, "These skills are crucial to GPs and other medical practitioners because they have to strike up a quick rapport with patients."

Tom Hadley, of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, agrees that there is room for less orthodox approaches in business training. "Whether such practices are seen as faddish or not, there's lots to be gained beyond the typical seminar, which can be a bit dry at times." He adds: "With so much communication out there, finding a way to make you stand out from the crowd can make all the difference."

Most of my hour-long session focuses on what Vincent colourfully describes as the "Tapestry of Deception". Like many people in their working lives, I have to convey clear concepts to people who often don't want to listen. Leading up to this, I confess my fear of public speaking and large groups. Could he be of any assistance?

"In a magic performance, the tricks are only a small part of the show," replies Vincent. "Success or failure in front of an audience is established within the first 5 to 10 seconds." He illustrates the point by showing me his typical entrance, all high energy with his chest puffed out purposefully. "Did you notice the shift in posture?" he asks, "I'm now getting into my peak state, recalling the last show I did at the Magic Castle in which I got a standing ovation."

On a scrap of paper, he then draws me a series of eye gazes. "This one's the business gaze," he explains, "It's used to establish contact, let your audience feel they have your attention and that you're dead serious about connecting with them."

Vincent didn't always have such a hold over people. As a black boy growing up in north London he suffered at the hands of school bullies until a teacher encouraged him to go on stage and perform magic tricks. This performance, when Vincent was a teenager, was a significant turning point in his life. "It was the first time that I felt appreciation and acceptance," he recalls, "and it also got the bullies off my back."

Having used magic for survival in the hostile environment of school, he continued his development with the help of mentor and escapologist Alan Alan, also owner of Magic Spot magic shop in Holborn. "I would pop in there after school and Alan would introduce me to other members of the Magic Circle," he remembers with fondness.

Like many other magicians, Vincent is increasingly involved in the corporate sector. He adds: "The magic arena has changed and modern magicians must be entrepreneurial and rely on their networking skills."

After one final card trick, in which my jack of hearts somehow ends up hanging from the base of his down turned palm, he completes the session.

Six ways to create magic in the office

1. DeceptionTry influencing colleagues through deception, or as magicians say, 'sleight of hand'. When doing tricks, magicians talk a lot and ask profound questions such as 'Do you consider yourself a highly observant individual?' Applied to the office, rabbits are only metaphorically pulled from hats.

2. Public speakingPerhaps the greatest fear of all business professionals. What you say in the first five minutes is what will bond and inspire the group. Find common ground by saying: "Isn't it wonderful that we're all lovers of ...?" Enjoy the fact that you are in a powerful position and what you say will have a powerful impact.

3. Dealing with a hostile bossA magician was once put on the spot by a rude diner who called him names in front of everyone else. With some well chosen words he calmly defended himself and the other diners asked him to stay and perform his tricks. In most cases, you can turn things around and avoid conflict. Smiling back is a way of saying that their behaviour hasn't affected you, but if you care enough, you should confront them.

4. On the phoneYou can create magic over the phone by the power of tonality and transformational vocabulary (using powerful and suggestive words). When cold calling, try starting with 'I wonder if you can help me?' There's nothing more powerful than appearing to be vulnerable.

5. Working a roomAt networking events, such as cocktail receptions, case the joint looking for people who don't know anybody else. Imagine that you are the grouting that joins everybody together. Use your physiology, eye contact and active listening to achieve this.

6. HandshakesIf you reach out your hand to someone, it breaks their state. Try to avoid handshakes that are too aggressive. A good handshake is done through the web (between thumb and forefinger).